Navy and Yellow Nautical Baby Shower

Yellow and Navy Nautical Baby Shower Invite, $12 for template

So much has happened since my last few posts! I'll definitely make some updates over the next few weeks, but thought I'd start here. In September, I put together a baby shower for one of my best friends expecting a baby boy. I worked with her mother and one of her friends, and I had a blast int he process!

One of the only themes I had to work with was "baby-preppy" when trying to figure out the decor. Once we secured a Yacht Club for the shower location (both the mommy-to-be and my families have memberships there) I figured you don't get more preppy than nautical - and for a baby boy, let's get away from the powder blue and make the theme "preppy" with navy blue and yellow.

Handmade Baby Boy Shower Banner - Navy, Yellow, and White

The Banner

A lot of this shower involved me just making / designing things because I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. The first of which was the banner saying, "Welcome baby Carter!" I bought cardstock in alternating yellow and navy patterns, cut into triangle pendants, and printed out the letters on Avery Circle Label templates to stick on. All of them were glued on a satin white ribbon and strung up right when you walked in - and it looked awesome! (I looked pretty hilarious on the floor of my apartment putting these together ;)

Navy Blue and Yellow Diaper Cake

The Diaper Cake

These are actually easier than I thought to make. I bought a cake platter for a base (TJ Maxx had a really cute white one with Gold ribbon accent) then a container of baby powder for the center. I also got rubber bands - both small and x-large - to roll up the diapers, and a preppy navy blue ribbon to wrap around the cake (I was going to hang toys off of it and shit, but the thing would have looked tacky. We were going for a more chic-awesomeness, here :) and some yellow flowers for accents - both from Michael's. 

I used Newborn size diapers, rolled each of them with a small rubber band. Then you layer them in a circle around the baby powder, and secured all of them with the large rubber band (it's helpful if you have another person to help you out - they can hold the diapers in place when you put the band on them). I did a few "layers" around, and built the cake up from there. Then I put the ribbon over the bands, added a few yellow flowers for pop, and topped it off with a little teddy bear. It was adorable :)

The Diaper Station

These were just funny, and I found the idea admittedly on Pinterest. It was basically another excuse to load up my friend with as many diapers as possible, because I know they are definitely something you blow through!

This was also super easy to put together. Found a cute basket - TJ Maxx again - and loaded it up with diapers - think I used size 2 because the Newborn sizes are really tiny to write on.

Late Night Diaper Station: Basket, Instructions, Diapers & Sharpies!

Some late-night diaper ideas :)

The Favors

The favors I made matched the invitation - also something I designed after the scouring the internet and coming up with nothing that worked for me. I designed these cute "Ready to Pop!" baby shower favor tags that I cut up, hole-punched, and tied with navy ribbon to bags of caramel popcorn. It was completely adorable and easy to do!

Ready to Pop baby shower template, $8

"Ready to Pop!" Nautical Baby Favors

The shower was a blast, and I loved putting it together! I decided to make some of the things I've designed available for download at my Etsy shop, in the event you are also in need for something fabulous. All of the files are customizable - I've done a few different variations, both in color and text. Shoot me a convo if you're interested or if you have any questions!

Reception Calligraphy: Table Tents and Place Cards

Table names instead of table numbers in calligraphy, $2 each

 Just showcasing a few recent client-supplied calligraphy images from her wedding reception:

Wedding Calligraphy for your guests' place cards!

The bride and her fiance were big book lovers, so they named each of their tables after fictional places: such as Hogwarts, Neverland, The Shire, etc. The names were written horizontally with a custom-mixed lavendar ink on deep purple, long table tents.

Table Tents for Wedding Reception Tables, $2.00 each

Her place cards were silkscreened in red and deep purple ink as well on both pink and lavender shades of cardstock. I wrote out the place card names in calligraphy for each guest, and the mix of color for the place cards was both refreshing and gave the place card display a real pop!!

Calligraphy for Wedding Place Cards, $1.50 each

Looking for calligraphy for your wedding reception? Shoot me an email and we'll talk about how we can make your reception special :)

Wedding Album Calligraphy

Another trend I've noticed and been doing quite a lot lately is calligraphy for wedding albums. Newlywed brides are inquiring if I am able to do their names and wedding dates in calligraphy on the first page of their wedding album - and of course I can!

Wedding Album Calligraphy: $15

This is a great, unique idea post-ceremony that can really help you remember the day. For those brides who are putting together their own album rather than ordering an album from their photographer, this is an even more special touch. I've done wedding album calligraphy on two Rag and Bone photo albums, which are gorgeous quality that I highly recommend if you are shopping for the perfect album to remember your big day. 

If you haven't gotten married yet but don't want to forget, we can also do this before the wedding! This bride also had me do some wedding reception signage in calligraphy, and left her album with me to complete as well.

Add your names and wedding date to your album!

I couldn't have been happier with the finished product: the album was in neutral earth tones with a small tree on the back corner cover, so I recommended a rich brown ink that would complement the album without being too harsh, like black ink would. She also loved the look of all lower-case letters, which was also an option.

Interested in adding a special touch to remember your wedding day? I've worked with brides from NYC to Utah, so contact me on how to get started today!

For Boston Marathon Victims: New Peace-Theme Charm Bracelet Line

Dove Charm Necklace, $28

Like so many other Bostonians last Monday, I stared at Twitter, online video, and news reports in shock. I found out at work about the Boston Marathon tragedy, and when I got home I watched the news in horror as it began to sink in. From the hour long drive from my office listening to somber radio broadcasts and the number of injured rising, to a woman hysterical crying in her car asking me for directions to get back on the Tobin so she could get to Boylston, it really hit home.

Double Heart Charm Bracelet, $28

I watched, as I'm sure all of America did, the video of the bombs over and over again. It's disturbing and unsettling. I've lived in Fenway for five years, Somerville for one, and in Chelsea - right off the Tobin- for one. I've walked down Newbury and Boylston countless times, shopping or going out to eat / drinks. This was my home, and I felt powerless.

Shortly after we began to process the news, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during the Marathon.

I found as an artist the best way I could process this was to donate as well. I don't have much, but I have seen success with my She's the First Cupcake Necklace design, of which proceeds go to support girls' education in the developing world. So I designed the Ash Tree "Peace" Bracelet Collection, where 50% of proceeds will go directly to One Fund Boston. I chose a dove and a peace sign, to hopefully promote the idea of peace in this world. The last charm is a double heart, designed to represent and remind us of our loss here, but give us the strength to move forward.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support. At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.”

 - Governor Patrick

Peace Sign Charm Bracelet, $28

I propped and photographed all next to my favorite Boston Red Sox visor, and got them up on my Etsy site as soon as I could. I'm hoping that something as small as this can make a bit of a difference and we can all move through our own healing processes.

Thanks to all of my customers for your continued support - we'll all get through this together.

God bless,
Ashley

Rune Charm Necklaces

In the 5 years I've maintained this blog, my Rune Necklaces post from 2010 continues to be the most popular post on my site. So I decided to give an update to the post with some fresh new images and feature my latest rune necklaces now available for purchase online at my Ash Tree Designs etsy shop. Read the four available now below, and let me know if you're looking for any specific rune that I haven't posted yet - I'll be happy to get it up for you.

Raido - "Journey" Necklace, $12

Journey Rune Necklace - Raido, $12
Raido is the rune of the journey. Meaning arrival, departure, or reunion, Raido stands for an movement and direction, as well as an overseas adventure. Those who wear this rune carry the knowledge to follow the cycle of life to progress quickly and efficiently. It's time to embrace the hard times knowing that the harder it is now, the easier it will get in the future. It is the perfect gift for someone who has been going through a difficult time, and is a symbolic reminder of their struggle.

Jera - "Success" Necklace, $15

Success Rune Necklace - Jera, $15
In the Runic Alphabet, "Jera" is J or Y: A year, a good harvest. The results of earlier efforts are realized and a time of peace and happiness, fruitful season. It can break through stagnancy. Hopes and expectations of peace and prosperity. The promise of success earned. Life cycle, cyclical pattern of the universe. Everything changes, in its own time. Makes a thoughtful college or graduate school graduation gift.

Othila "Prosperity" Necklace, $15

Prosperity Rune Necklace - Othila, $15
Othila is the rune of prosperity. Meaning home or homeland, hearth, or family, Othila stands for an adventurous nature, culture maturity, adaptability, and personal skill. Those who wear this rune carry the strength of their family with them, as it can represent your spiritual home: very unique and recommended housewarming gift.

Dagaz "Hope" Necklace, $15

Hope Rune Necklace - Dagaz, $15
Lastly, we have Hope. This particular listing is black and gold, but is also available in the silver/black combo and vice versa. In the Runic Alphabet, "Dagaz" is D. Meaning breakthrough, awakening, awareness: daylight clarity as opposed to nighttime uncertainty. A time to plan or embark upon an enterprise. The power of change directed by your own will, transformation. Hope and happiness, the ideal. Security and certainty. Growth and release. Balance point, the place where opposites meet.

Don't see the rune or the meaning you are looking for? There are many more runes available for purchase that haven't made it into listings yet. Shoot me a convo to get your own special order, and carry the energizing rune meanings with you every day :)

Brushed Silver Shamrock Charm Necklace

Brushed Silver Shamrock Charm Necklace, $28

Well, the dreaded / much celebrated St. Patrick's Day has just about arrived, and what better way to welcome it with a lovely brushed silver shamrock charm necklace?

As with many other pieces in my Ash Tree design collections, this Silver Shamrock Necklace has a meaning behind it. The most popular shamrock meaning was from in Ireland around the fifth century, where St. Patrick was introducing and establishing Christianity among the people there. He utilized the three-leaf clover as an illustration of the holy trinity, with each leaf representing the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The tree sections are also symbolic of the three theological virtues found in the first Corinthians 13:13 - "Faith, Hope, and Love".

To this day, the spiritual meaning of the shamrock continues to be iconic of St. Patrick's teachings, though it was also revered by Ancient Celts because of its trinity as well. A myriad of their beliefs were also based on triads according to the artists of the time, and the occurrence of 3's were aspects of goddesses, gods,  time, and the balance of energies.

(Source: What's Your Sign? Symbolic Shamrock Meaning)

Now that you more thoroughly understand the symbolism behind the shamrock, get your own Silver Shamrock Necklace at a reasonable price for this St. Patrick's day - also makes a great gift for the Irish gal ;)

Historical Love Letter in Calligraphy

Commission a Love Letter in Calligraphy

 "If a picture speaks a thousand words, a love letter speaks a thousand more."

Valentine's day brings out the romantic in all of us. So instead of getting that $3 Hallmark card from CVS, why not get your partner something a bit more meaningful, that you can look at every day?

I received this commission a few months ago, where a woman wanted to replicate a historical love letter in calligraphy to her husband: a letter that meant something to the both of them. While you don't quite have to go to this length (this was an actual letter size, about 8 1/2" x11"), there are plenty of quotes you can use from love letters past. This commission was completed on a beautiful cream card stock with a crisp black ink, using calligraphy nib size C-5.

 

Pricing varies by length: $50 for full letter, $25 for 1/2 page

I'm so interested in future projects like this, that I've actually ordered a book featuring the greatest love letters of all time. Even in the age of email, tweets, texts and IMs, nothing has ever replaced the power of a love letter. This would make a fabulous Valentine's Day gift for those passionate readers and lovers of words. And if it's hard for you to write your own love letter {ahem, gentlemen} why not utilize words of great authors past to say what you really feel but can't express?

I can't wait for the book to arrive and to see what I can learn - it features love letters from all kinds of historical figures, from Mozart to Napoleon. I think even simple excerpts would look stunning on simple card stock - and though V-Day is close, this would still make a great gift for any romantic occasion: for your wedding, anniversary, birthday, etc.

Would you like to commission your own love letter in calligraphy, either from your own words or from writers past? Contact me to get started!

Lips Charm Necklace Jewelry

Red Lips Necklace, $28

Jewelry featuring lips has been very popular recently - fashion jewelry icons like Jules Smith have released lines featuring kiss kiss "lips", so I decided to create a piece of my own. I just released the latest Ash Tree handmade necklace design Red Lips Necklace, now available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

The lips - also available in a sassy hot pink - are gorgeous enameled charms and strung on a stunning silver plate chain. Since much of the Ash Tree jewelry collections relate to symbolism in some way, I looked up what "red lips" signify - turns out, there's a back and forth when it comes to the meaning of red lips: on one hand, the red lip is a favorite color among men for women to wear. On the other, a red lipstick is considered "fierce", that is, a bright, bold, and powerful fashion statement among women. 

Red Lips Necklace Design, $28 by Ash Tree

What does a fiery red lip (or hot pink) mean to you? Makes a great gift for Valentine's Day for yourself, a daughter or friend - and definitely adds a "kiss" of style to any wardrobe ;)

Chinese Symbol Charm Necklace

Chinese Symbol for Love Charm Necklace, $28

Continuing along the "symbolic" design element for all Ash Tree jewelry, the latest creation now available for purchase and customization in my shop is the Chinese Symbol Charm Necklace line. I've been wanting to create something like this for a while: as a calligrapher, I really admire the intricate symbols that make up the Chinese language. Written Chinese comprises characters used to represent the Chinese language, and are often composed of parts that may represent physical objects, abstract notions, or pronunciation.

All Chinese symbols above can be ordered at my Etsy shop

I took several words and have made them available to my customers online: now, you can order a necklace with the Chinese characters for LOVE, LONG LIFE, GOOD LUCK, GOOD-HEARTED, AND FRIENDSHIP. Just select which charm you want from the drop-down when you order would be a great, affordable but beautiful Valentine's day gift for a friend!

Elegant and simple, each charm is about 17x11mm in size, and though they are listed on a silver plate chain, but I bet they would look just as great on a black rolled-leather necklace as well. Definitely check out the "LOVE" character - especially if you are in the marketing for something different this Valentine's Day!

Cupcake Necklaces Have Raised over $500 to Support She's the First!

Purchase a STF Cupcake Necklace: 75% of proceeds
Go directly to She's the First!

Thanks to the generous and fabulous supporters of She's the First over the holiday season, I've actually surpassed the next few tiers of my goal to help raise $1,600 to this great organization with cupcake necklace sales with a whopping $500 donation that was made in 2012: and I can't thank all of my customers enough!

With Valentine's Day soon upon us, I thought this would be a great time to show how through a cute cupcake necklace purchase for your best friend or little sister, you can help support girls' education in the developing world during the season of love :)

If you look on the She's the First website, $500 is enough for an essential sponsorship for the Selamta Family Project in Bethel, Ethiopia.

Holiday Sales Raised over $500!

About the Selamta Family Project

“Selamta” means “be at peace.” in Ethiopian Amharic: the goal of this project is to help orphaned children regain the sense of peace they lost when they lost their family. The Selamta Family Project protects Ethiopian orphans, vulnerable children, and marginalized women by establishing permanent, stable family homes and providing access to continuous medical care, education, and social safety nets. Selamta works to maintain the cultural connections that sustain healthy families, neighborhoods, and communities - so that loving families may build strong citizens.

Selamta has several family homes located in Bethel, a suburb of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. To reduce the stigma that often plagues orphans, homes are dispersed throughout the neighborhood, allowing kids to be easily integrated in the larger community. Each family is organized around a permanent, stable Selamta-trained mother, who assume parental duties and provide respectful, loving care for her children. The Selamta staff support the mother in every way to ensure her successful parenting, and the staff is responsible for sustaining her healthy living arrangement.

All of the school-aged kids receive an amazing education at the Alpha Keranyo School, a private school located in the Bethel neighborhood. After-school tutors provide extra support to help children succeed. Despite the fact that many children could not attend formal school before joining the Selamta Family, many kids excel at the top of their class.

What Does This $500 Do?

There are several tiers for this sponsorship, ranging from $360 to $800. This $500 amount can cover the following:

STF Cupcake Necklace, $20

• Continuous education at a rigorous K-12 private school
• School supplies including uniform, backpack and notebooks
• After-school tutoring programs
• Sports and soccer registration fees
• Summer enrichment programs
• Small budget for birthday and holiday celebrations
• Small savings account each child

Interested in helping to sponsor a girl in the Selamta Family Project, or any other girl around the world? Here's how to help!

1. Give the Gift of Awareness for yourself or a friend for this Valentine's Day: 75% of these specially designed Ash Tree She's the First Cupcake Necklace go directly to She's the First
2. Explore the Directory on the STF website to read more about girls who need your help
3. Organize your own Bake Sale to sponsor a girls' education in your school with these great tips from She's The First.

Thanks again to all my customers for your support - I look forward to posting another fundraising update soon for 2013!

Gold Wishbone Charm Necklace

Gold Wishbone Charm Necklace, $28

As with most of the pieces in my design collections, this Gold Wishbone Charm necklace has a meaning behind it. The wishbone symbol is something we're all familiar with after having a "bird-meal", and we've all been on both the winning and losing end of the wish bone break. But what is the tradition behind it, and what does it actually mean?

The wishbone-breaking contest / ritual actually dates back to the 4th century, where civilizations such as the Romans and Etruscans would pull a dry turkey or chicken bone until it snapped - or gave them a "lucky break". The winner was left holding the larger piece of the wishbone, and it was believed that their wish or dream would come true.

Delicate Gold Wishbone Charm Necklace, $28

The tradition has continued, as many believe now that the symbol will bring good luck, "catch" dreams, and make wishes come true. It's also become a channel of good energy, and astrologists have linked it to the horoscope sign Sagittarius - who are born between November 22nd and December 21st.

Knowing the rich history behind this energizing symbol, why not take that with you every day, or give it to someone who will? What would you wish for?

Gold Wishbone Charm Necklace, $28

Elegant and simple, this gorgeous golden wishbone charm suspends beautifully on a stunning silver 16" silver plate chain with 1" of extender chain. The charm is in the shape of an unbroken wishbone,made of bronze with a golden shine. The strong material ensures that it will never "break", keeping your future wishes fulfilled. The bone rests on your neck at approx. 20mm in size.

Source: Symbols and Their Meaning

This piece is one of those designs I've been thinking about for a long time and finally was able to make it come to fruition - as well as being one of those pieces I secretly want to keep for myself :) Makes a great gift for your best friend, daughter, or even bridesmaids at your wedding - contact me if you'd like to inquire about a bulk order, or additional chain sizes.

I hope that you'll see the meaning behind the charm, and that all your wishes will come true!

Press for Ash Tree Creations

What an amazing year it's been here for Ash Tree! From wedding calligraphy features in online magazines and blogs, to a fabulous partnership with She's the First selling cupcake necklaces to help raise money to fund girls' education, 2012 has certainly been busy. Here's a summary of all the recent press this year -

She's the First Cupcake Necklace, $20

A Charm for Charity - Shopaholic
Jacquelyn Mysliwiec, South Shore Living Magazine

"Teaming up with She’s the First, a not-for-profit in support of girls’ education across the globe, local jewelry designer Ashley Osgood of Ash Tree Designs has designed a unique handmade cupcake pendant which acts as the bright and whimsical charm on her $20 cupcake necklaces, in which $15 for every one purchased will go toward the charity. 

Osgood, specializes in sea glass jewelry, as well as recycled sail products, but her innovative outlook on jewelry design constantly leads her to all sorts of mediums, designs, and projects— such as—her keepsake vibrant "tie-dye" cupcake necklace. If you’re looking for a gift for a special lady of any age, this 100% handmade necklace is a steal. It’s a gift that will make more than just the receiver smile."

Holiday Gift We’re Loving: She’s the First’s Cupcake Charm
StyleWatch, People Magazine

"What’s better than a cupcake? A cupcake that’s calorie-free! She’s the First, an organization that sponsors girls’ educations, helping them become the first in their families to graduate, is doing a modern bake sale this holiday season. 

The non-profit partnered with Etsy’s Ash Tree Creations to design this cute cupcake charm, which stands just 1-in. high and hangs on a 16-in. silver plate chain. It mirrors the organization’s rainbow cupcakes, which are sold nationwide to raise funds for its cause. And this cupcake will help, too: $15 of the $20 price will benefit She’s the First’s important programs."

Buy a Cupcake Necklace - 75% is Donated to STF!

She's the First & Cupcakes!
Sprinkles and Style blog

"This cupcake necklace, which you can buy from Ash Tree Creations, would be a great gift for your sister, niece, friend, the little girl you babysit, or even yourself! The handmade tie-dye cupcake charm is adorned with sparkling Swarovski crystals on 'vanilla frosting' that's fun, vibrant, and eye-catching - would certainly be a happy addition to your jewelry collection."

Birthday Bazaar: A Rainbow of Fun

NYC Metro Parents Magazine

"We’ve compiled a bazaar of ideas, products, and tips in this birthday party package. Read on for our favorite new party products, other momentous birthdays we're celebrating in April - 

Want a one-of-a-kind gift that gives back? This handmade magenta-and-teal special edition cupcake necklace donates 75% to She’s the First!, a nonprofit that sponsors girls’ education in the developing world ($20; etsy.com/shop/AshTreeCreations; learn more about the cause supported by artist Ashley Osgood at shesthefirst.org)"

Calligraphy feature on BravoBride.com

The Art of Calligraphy
BravoBride.com

"I love the white script against the black envelope, making for a traditional look. The place cards are given extra pizazz with a handwritten calligraphy note by Ash Tree Creations."

Broke Ass-Bargains
Broke Ass-Bride Newsletter

"Love the look of calligraphy but your budget won't allow it? Ash Tree Creations is giving away an entire calligraphed reception package! Visit her Calligraphy Giveaway page for more information on how to enter!"

While I do see sales year round for cupcake necklaces and other handmade jewelry, the holiday shopping season is over - so it's time to ramp back up for wedding calligraphy for 2013 clients and weddings. 

I've already booked several clients for Jan-Feb, but if you're interested in having your invitations addressed in calligraphy, contact me on how to get started! 

Cupcake Charm Leather Bracelet

I understand I have a cupcake problem.

With the success of the She's the First Cupcake Necklaces and how much fun they are to make, I starting fooling around with sketches of simple cupcake bracelet designs. I know that many people already have a favorite necklace that they wear every day, so I thought a cupcake bracelet may be a perfect, logical next step for my cupcake jewelry line to take.

Cupcake Charm Leather Bracelet, $45

The result was this "sweet" handmade cupcake charm bracelet - elegant and simple, I strung a high quality black leather bracelet with a single antiqued silver-plated pewter cupcake bead. The cupcake charm is available in either pink or white frosting (aka, strawberry and vanilla), with"sprinkle" rhinestone colors including red, blue, light blue and green.

Each frosted cupcake charm measures 11x11mm in size, and the black leather bracelet with sterling silver clasp is available in the standard size of 7.5", and larger sizes are definitely available. I just thought that this would make a perfect gift for a little sister, daughter, or best friend!

White Cupcake Leather Charm Bracelet, $45

The high-quality black leather also makes a fantastic base for other large-hole bead charms, available at a fraction of the price - so grab yours today @ the Ash Tree Etsy shop! :)

Cupcake Necklaces Reach First Goal to Support She's the First!

Cupcake Necklace Sales Have
Raised $300 Towards our goal!

We did it! Thanks to the generous and fabulous supporters of She's the First, I've reached the first tier of my goal to help raise $300 with cupcake necklace sales to reach my goal of donating $1,600 to this great organization.

With She's the First now going to be on NBC's American Giving Awards, I thought this would be a great time to spotlight some of the great work they are doing. STF are currently the running to win $1,000,000 - which comes down to Facebook voting. So if you have a moment, please vote for them to  help to unlock this tremendous donation to send girls to school and share before December 4, 2012.

Back to stunning little cupcake necklace sales: if you look on the She's the First website, $300 is enough for an all-inclusive yearly package for everything a girl needs to go to school in Kopila Valley in Surket, Nepal.

About Kopila Valley School

The girls who go to school here come from poor circumstances. The girls all come from poor or illiterate families, and fall into the “high risk” category of being married off to a man, work as domestic servants, have to work in hotels, or by dry riverbeds to earn a living for their family. These girls are the first of their generation to be educated and literate. Kopila Valley is a co-ed primary school that is a safe place for students to spend the day, receive an education in basic English, Nepali, Math, Science, Health, and Social Studies and have their basic needs met. School runs from Sunday-Friday, with Friday being a half day for extracurricular and fun activities, i.e. racing, sports matches, dance competitions, debate, art, and other activities.

What Does This $300 Do? 

This is enough to provide the following for one girl for a YEAR:

• School uniform: $28 (includes 1 skirt, 1 pair of pants, 2 school shirts, 1 sweater, 1 hat, belt, school tie, a pair of shoes, socks, and warm tights for winter)
• School bag, supplies, and set of the year’s text books: $22
• School lunches: $75  (this includes, rice, fresh vegetables, and lentil soup 5 days a week)
• Tuition: $120 (goes towards everything needed to keep the school functioning and sustaining itself, i.e. staff, teachers, and cook salaries, repairs, and construction, school materials, and classroom needs)
• Medical needs: $55 (i.e. vaccines, vitamins, sanitary napkins, medical emergencies, and dental care for the year)
                                     
Total: $300

Interested in helping to sponsor a girl Kopila Valley, or any other girl around the world? Here's how to help!

Puchase a STF Cupcake Necklace: 75% of proceeds
Go directly to She's the First!

• Give the Gift of Awareness for yourself or a friend: 75% of all specially designed Ash Tree She's the First Cupcake Necklace go directly to She's the First
• Explore the Directory on the STF website to read more about girls who need your help
• Organize your own Bake Sale to sponsor a girls' education in your school with these great tips from STF. 
• Vote for She's the First before Dec. 4th to win the American Giving Awards so they may receive their $1 million grant!

Christmas Tree Pendant Necklaces

The holidays will be here before you know it, so let's get ready for them with this elegant and simple Christmas tree pendant. While I've already sold the first one of this series, you can still snag this gorgeous silver-finished pendant with Swarovski green crystals.

Silver Christmas Tree Pendant Necklace, $28

It suspends beautifully on a stunning 17" silver plate chain, and rests on your neck at approx. 34x11mm in size. Would definitely make a fabulous holiday gift for yourself, or someone important in your life - (especially those with Christmas birthdays!)

I also have this same piece available in a beautiful gold finish with a red, green, and yellow Swarovski crystals, suspended on a gold chain for another sophisticated look - it's currently listed in my etsy shop as Gold Christmas Tree Pendant Neckace.

Gold Christmas Tree Pendant Necklace, $28

Get ready for those fabulous holiday parties this year and order yours today! :)

Sterling Silver LOVE Necklace

I saw something like this on Pinterest, and just had to try my own. The newest listing to my Ash Tree Designs Etsy shop is this gorgeous sterling silver "LOVE" pendant necklace - which is at a handmade, budget-friendly  price of $28.

Sterling Silver "Love" Necklace, $28

Perfect for the newly engaged bride or just because you want it, the necklace is strung on a 16" silver plate chain and is about 34mmx19mm in size. I love how elegant yet modern it looks, and think it would make a great gift this holiday season.

Always looking for symbolic jewelry, I definitely have a few more ideas up my sleeve for new products this holiday season. Stay tuned, or shoot me an email to get your own custom order today!

Silver Rhinestone Horseshoe Necklace

Just because we could use all the good luck we can! Check out the latest creation from Ash Tree, two of which are now available at my Etsy shop for purchase this holiday season.

Always looking to incorporate symbols into my work, I took a look at the horseshoe symbol's actual meaning. Did you know that the horseshoe was another ancient emblem used to ward off the "evil eye"? After the Evil Eye Bracelet I designed, the horseshoe (and eventually four-leaf clover!) was a logical next step for the "good luck" line :).

Silver Rhinestone Horseshoe Charm Necklace, $28

Common legend is that the ends of the horseshoe must be pointing up in order to keep all the good luck in. There are theories that the magic of this symbol is in its shape, which is that of the horned moon. Then again, most are satisfied with the notion that the shoe protects the horse, so the horseshoe must work for people, too.

Pretty cool, huh? As I mentioned, this is a limited-edition line: so when these two pieces are gone - they're gone! And with an affordable price like this, it makes a great gift - especially for those needing a little extra luck on final exams, or wedding days :) so don't wait, check out my Silver Rhinestone Horseshoe Charm Necklace etsy listing to see more pics, and get yours today!

NFL Logo Jewelry: New England Patriots Necklace

New England Patriots Necklace, $28

With football season in full swing, it's time for the perfect gift for that diehard Pats fan. And being one myself, I kickstarted this sports charm necklace line with my own Massachusetts football team: The New England Patriots. (We also beat the Jets yesterday, which I am both very happy and relieved about. Overtime, man!)

GO RED SOX!
Contact me to order
an MLB Charm Necklace!
(same price)

The official NFL licensed Patriots logo featured in this necklace is an enameled pewter charm, and is strung on a strong 18" black rolled leather necklace with 2" of extender chain (please inquire for larger sizes!). The Pats logo rests on your neck at approx. 27mm x 13mm in size. There's also an option for a stunning silver plate chain, if the black necklace isn't your thing.

This charm sports jewelry line is also not limited to the National Football League - you can order any Major League Baseball sports team logo necklace as well! Even though baseball season is out, it doesn't mean she's stopped thinking about her team :)

Order yours today - makes the perfect holiday or birthday gift for that girl who never misses a Brady game!